Man armed with 10-inch knife beaten off by Wolverhampton shopkeeper with set of stepladders
An armed man who attempted to rob a Wolverhampton convenience store was beaten off by the shopkeeper with a set of step ladders.
Ben Blackmore, of no fixed address, demanded cash as he waved a large 10 inch knife at the wife of the owner of Parkfield Stores in Rooker Avenue on the afternoon of May 17.
She alerted her husband, who came from the back of the shop, grabbing the small set of ladders for protection along the way. He used them to try and flick the knife from the offender's grasp and was struck a couple of times in the process, receiving minor injuries to his hands.
Blackmore was backed towards the door and the 37-year-old turned and fled with just a packet of cigarettes.
Investigating officer Acting Detective Sergeant Andy Higgins, said: "The plucky shopkeeper didn't stop there. After checking on his wife, he jumped in his car, picked up a pal and drove in the direction of where Blackmore had been heading.
"The friend dialled 999 and, after spotting the offender, relayed the information to us as they followed him to a bus stop.
"Two officers were with him within minutes and he was arrested still in possession of the knife and the cigarettes."
Blackmore was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 17.
